SoCon Weekend Award Winners

By Matt OsborneSouthernPigskin.com

A number of key contributors helped The Citadel defeat Appalachian State for a second-consecutive season.

SoCon Offensive Player of the Week: Samford QB Andy Summerlin

Although Summerlin completed just barely over half of his passing attempts (23-of-42), he made the most of his completions. Playing against the preseason favorites in the conference, Summerlin threw for 495 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he protected the football, not throwing an interception on the afternoon.

SoCon Defensive Player of the Week: Western Carolina LB Courtland Carson

Carson had a standout performance in a losing effort against Chattanooga, finishing the game with nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. With his performance, Carson leads the Southern Conference with 65 tackles on the season.

SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week: The Citadel K Thomas Warren

Warren only attempted one field goal against Appalachian State, but he made sure that it counted. After successfully converting all four of his extra-point attempts in regulation, Warren was called upon to kick a 35-yard field goal in overtime. Warren successfully converted his attempt, giving him the second game-winning kick of his career. It also gave the Bulldogs a second-consecutive victory over the Mountaineers.

SoCon Freshman of the Week: Elon LB John Silas

Silas finished with a career-high 12 tackles in Elon’s 28-25 victory over Furman. He also finished the afternoon with 1.5 sacks and a key pass deflection on the Paladins’ final drive which sealed the victory for the Phoenix.

SoCon X-Factor of the Week: The Citadel DL Mitchell Jeter

With Appalachian State having the first drive in the overtime session, it was Jeter who clasped his hands around a tipped pass from Kameron Bryant, ending the Mountaineers’ possession. Jeter’s timely interception eventually allowed Thomas Warren to kick the game-winning field goal on the subsequent possession.

Matt Osborne - Matt Osborne currently serves as the director of recruiting and lead editor for Southern Pigskin. His work has been published in a number of national publications, including USA Today. Although he loves all levels of football, Matt's number one joy in his life is his relationship with Jesus Christ. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattOsborne200. For media requests, please email Matt at matt@southernpigskin.com.